Kiwanis Club of Easton names detective its officer of the year

The Kiwanis Club of Easton recognizes Easton police Detective Andrew Ocetnik -- the lead investigator in a massive heroin bust last year -- as the officer of the year for 2012-2013, according to a city news release.

Ocetnik, hired in July 2007, was assigned to the patrol division for about four and half years before moving up to the detective rank in the criminal investigations division and vice/narcotics unit. Ocetnik is also a member of the city's special response unit and the Northampton County Drug Task Force and the Lehigh Valley Violent Crimes Task Force.

He made about 67 criminal arrests in 2012 -- the second most ever in the Easton police department, officials say. Ocetnik headed an investigation that took down a large heroin distribution ring in Easton's South Side, according to the department. Roughly $15,000 worth of heroin was seized in the operation and several people were charged, according to Easton police.

Ocetnik received the proclamation Wednesday, which cited his dedication to the police force and commitment to making Easton a safer place for the community.